About RATT

Rugby Area Talent Trust was created with initial funding from two founder trustees and a donation from local business Brown & Cockerill. The trustees are passionate about supporting local young people with talent and potential, both directly by creating a grant fund, and also by facilitating events to showcase talent and provide experience.

The charity’s aims are to encourage and fund the development of talent in young people from Rugby and the surrounding areas. We look to support those who demonstrate particular skills and passion in five areas – music, arts, academia, sport and entrepreneurism – through the provision of grant funding and by facilitating events.

Contact

If you want to find out more or are interested in offering any help or support, please contact info@ratt.org.uk

People

The trustees of RATT are David & Angela Head, Gary Stocking and Carl Watts.

David was the founder of and ran Rugby Music Festival from 2011 to 2014. He is a passionate supporter of local live music and keen to see Rugby youngsters with a spark of talent supported and nurtured. He has worked in the charity sector in a professional capacity since 2003 and in several other voluntary posts, including at Rugby Music Festival, Rugby Rokeby Lions and Rugby Hospital Radio.

Angela is a civil servant based in Rugby. She shares David’s passion for supporting young talent and brings a wealth of administrative experience to RATT. She also acts as the charity’s secretary and is often seen at events sorting out name labels, welcoming the artists and making sure the event runs smoothly!

Gary is based in Hillmorton and is director of DMX Stagetech. He brings technical expertise to the group, especially when planning and delivering events. Gary has been involved with Rugby live music for many years providing technical services for many bands and events.

Carl is MD at Brown & Cockerill Estate Agents in Rugby. Through the company Carl supported Rugby Music Festival for 2012-14. He brings a passion for live music and young people, business experience and local knowledge to the trustees’ group.

For music-related events, the trustees are ably assisted by Musical Director, Duncan Arrow.

Duncan is a musician (drummer, pianist and songwriter) and is based in Rugby. Currently one half of The Belladors and the Dirty Jazz Jukebox, he has been performing and playing live for over 30 years, having performed extensively in the UK and Europe. He supports arts and music activities at two Rugby schools and has worked in the charity sector in a professional capacity. He also runs his own business as a creative web-developer and graphic designer.